STOMPEDE HITS EVERGREEN MAY 28-JUNE 1

The first few years it was called the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Stompede, was three days long and featured chuckwagon, chariot and pony chuckwagon races, a midway, a wet t-shirt contest a chili cook-off and beer gardens.

Since that first event in 1978 at the old fairgrounds where Crystal Park School sits on the east side of the city there have been some things added – and deleted.

It is now called the Grande Prairie Stompede. The word Chuckwagon was dropped because in front of the stadium fans can view much more than chuckwagons … and the wet t-shirt contest is no more because …, well, the reason is obvious.

The biggest change since the start in 1978 has been the move to Evergreen Park on the southside of the city. That happened in 1983. In 1988 pro rodeo became a part of the event at J.D.A. Raceway at Badger Stadium. It became a five-day event after the move to Evergreen and wraps up on Sunday, June 1 this year.

A downtown parade now officially kicks off Stompede week on the Saturday leading up to the main show; there is a Bust Out downtown on the Tuesday; and then the action heats up with the Canadian Pro Rodeo competition; World Professional Chuckwagon Association chucks and All Pro Canadian pony chucks  Wednesday; Thursday is the first day for the Stompede Market and midway; and mixed in there is a kids calf scramble; Dance In The Dirt (Thursday); Mounted Shooters; and trick riders.

Evaskevich Hall in the TARA Energy Services Centre is where the beer gardens is held. High Valley is on stage Friday and Gord Bamford is performing Saturday.

For complete schedule information and tickets for all events click here.

INDIAN RELAY PART OF INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION AT EVERGREEN JUNE 7-8

The Evergreen Park races are a qualifier for the world-famous Calgary Stampede in July.

“We are very excited to partner with indigenous communities to showcase the heritage and athleticism of Indian Relay Races,” said Evergreen Park General Manager Kim Randall. “We are committed to growing the sport and are thrilled to announce that our races will be a qualifier for the 2025 Calgary Stampede.

“This adds a new level of excitement for the racers and we anticipate the top teams from Alberta and Saskatchewan will join us for our event in June.”

(Click here or the logo to order tickets.)

The 2025 Indigenous Celebration, presented by Ovintiv, goes June 7-8 at J.D.A. Raceway.

Besides the thrilling Indian Relay Racing, the weekend also includes Indigenous drummers, dancers and crafters. (Click here for complete story.)